CTE Robotics Pathways/STEM

Instructors:
Matthew Santambrogio: Rm. 34, 720-423-7167
matthew_santambrogio@dpsk12.org
Sara Andolsek: Rm. 107, 720-423-7000, sara_andolsek@dpsk12.org

Overview:
Credits: 5 per semester
Prerequisite: Acceptance into CCT Magnet and successful completion (grade of B or higher for both semesters) of Advanced Robotics coursework. Returning Pathways students must also demonstrate successful completion (grade of B or higher for both semesters) of previous (for returning Pathways students) Pathways coursework.
Grades: 11-12

Mandatory Participation in the following:
Sparkfun AVC Competition
1 weekend (both days) mid October
FRC Competition
Build season: we work Saturdays, Wednesday evenings, and Holidays from Early January through the end of February.
Students are required to work approximately 75 hours outside of class.
Competition is Thursday-Saturday late March
Worlds (when we qualify) is Mid April (Wednesday-Sunday)

In this dynamic technology class students get to work with advanced robotics kits and components. Students learn high level programming with LabVIEW, Java and ROBOT-C and gain understanding in project management for robot construction and operation. Students also learn the safe and proper use of shop tools and machines to be utilized in the completion of complex builds.

For more information check out the FIRST website: (http://www.usfirst.org) where you will find out more about the competition, the industry, and the class.

$75 Lab Fee. The lab fee is for equipment used in our curriculum that is not covered by the district. The equipment includes but is not limited to: robotics building supplies, competition fees, camcorders, headphones, microphones, videotape, wiring, and overall computer maintenance. If any student cannot afford the lab fee, see Mr. Fornstrom, CCT department chair, for a waiver.

Fundraisers: Through the course of the year students will be required to participate in multiple fundraisers to offset the cost of competition travel and registration. fundraisers will include (but not be limited to) Snap-Raise, Jim-n-Nicks, Twilight Track Meet, and more. Participation in these fundraisers is crucial to the development and sustainability of the program.

Much work will be done in the robotics lab, but it is necessary for you to bring school supplies (writing utensils, notebook, etc) with you every day.

Student Expectations:
Pathways students are ambassadors of not just the class but the CCTM program, the school, and the district as a whole. These students are "on display" at homecoming assemblies, utilized at school and district recruitment events, work in the community to develop team sponsorships, compete in national tournaments, and will potentially travel as a team. As such these students must demonstrate exemplar behavior and grades, failure to do so may result in the removal from the Pathways Robotics course.
Students are expected to be a successful part of the CCT program. Students must be in class and on time every day. Work missed because of excused absences can be made up according to school policy, late work will not be tolerated nor accepted for credit. Robotics competitions (as in life) have deadlines, missed deadlines result in missing competitions. Due to the intensive nature of this course, students are required to spend time after school and on weekends working in the robotics lab, particularly as competitions draw near, these dates will be posted well in advance and are NON-Negotiable (see calendar for dates).

CCTM Equipment Policy:
Admittance to the Thomas Jefferson CCTM provides students with classroom supplies, resources, and materials available exclusively to CCTM students. The additional cost of this equipment requires students to demonstrate they are capable of using these materials in a safe, respectful, and correct manner that contributes to the betterment of the program. Any deliberate misuse of CCTM materials may result in one or more of the following consequences: withdrawal from any/all CCTM courses, fines/fees to repair/replace materials, suspension/expulsion, possible additional legal action.

Course Robot Build Overview:
Unit 1: Shop Safety
Unit 2: FRC Chassis
Unit 3: FRC In School Challenge
Unit 4: FRC Kickoff
Unit 5: Solar Rollers
Unit 8: Independent Research Project
  • Build schedule is subject to change due to changes in robotics technology

Competitions:
During the school year, students in the Pathways Robotics class will have the opportunity to participate in The Sparkfun AVC Challenge and the FRC Robotics challenges. We encourage students and parents to familiarize themselves with the whole FIRST Robotics program at: http://www.usfirst.org/

Office Hours:
Due to the nature of this program, we highly encourage students to come in during office hours on Wednesdays since they cannot do lab work at home. Please see TJ student planner and listen to announcements for details about office hours.

Policies:
Instructors will follow school policies for attendance, tardies, grades and electronic devices.